If you are in search of Propane vs Natural Gas ,you got the right site. We have used propane and natural gas generators in our daily life but we should have knowledge about which one is a better choice. During a power outage, electricity is essential. We need electricity to power our heat, refrigeration, and lights.
Without electricity, businesses have to close their doors temporarily. Families must either live in the dark or run extension cords throughout the house to power a lamp. Even worse, without a working generator, the majority of businesses are done for.
There are two main options for power generators: natural gas and propane. Both of these generators have their advantages. In this comparison guide, I will break down each type’s benefits and drawbacks. I will also look at who should consider a natural gas generator vs. a propane generator.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Propane has a higher energy density than natural gas but typically costs more. Natural gas is the least expensive fuel for your generator since it costs roughly 40% less than propane. Because propane has a higher energy density than natural gas, it is more economical. Propane can be a better option if you use your generator frequently and need a lot of electricity.
Gas and propane generators can keep the lights on during a power outage. But depending on your demands, one can be better than the other due to a few significant distinctions between them.
What Is a Propane Generator?
When there is an outage, propane generators are a fantastic choice for people who need to power their homes or businesses.
Like other generators, propane generators operate by burning propane and transforming the energy into useful power.
In reality, propane is a byproduct of refining petroleum and natural gas. As a result, it’s not only easily accessible but also has a low degree of toxicity and odor, making it the perfect fuel for generators.
Propane generators are available in stationary and portable models, making them ideal for use at home or supplying electricity to small businesses during an outage. In addition, they can all operate air conditioners, heaters, freezers, microwaves, and other devices.
Also See: Benefits of Propane vs. Gas Generator
What Is Natural Gas Generator?
Inherently, natural gas is lighter than propane. So, if natural gas were to leak and be discharged into the air, it would evaporate more quickly than propane. Because natural gas dissipates into the air more quickly than propane, you could claim it is a safer choice.
Natural gas, like propane, burns cleanly and has less impact on the environment than burning fuels like diesel or gasoline. Both larger, fixed choices and portable versions of these generators are available. Similar to propane, this fuel can be stored.
Let’s take a closer look at some of their differences.
Propane vs. Natural gas generator
Propane or natural gas generators are the greatest choices if you’re looking for the best generator to power your home. But don’t worry; I’ll provide clear explanations based on my expertise.
| No | Features | Propane Generators | Gas Generators |
| 1 | Efficiency | More efficient | Less Efficient |
| 2 | Cost | Expensive | Not expensive |
| 3 | Maintenance | They require maintenance This is owing to the fact that propane ones don’t leave any accumulation or residue inside the fuel lines or other generator parts. | Minimal maintenance are natural gas generators. However, they do occasionally need to be serviced. |
| 4 | Fuel Accessibility | It is less accessible. | It is much more accessible as it comes from your home pipeline. |
| 5 | Clean Burning | Propane virtually doesn’t contaminate the environment. | It emits fewer dangerous emissions than diesel and gasoline, natural gas isn’t completely safe. |
| 6 | Operating Noise | Quieter than natural gas. | It is not much quieter. |
Propane has more energy than natural gas, which is less than half as much. One cubic foot of propane is equivalent to roughly 2,500 BTUs. Contrast that with a cubic foot of natural gas containing slightly more than 1,000 BTUs.
This demonstrates how propane is far more effective than natural gas. But first, let’s examine an illustration.
Only 40 cubic feet would be burned in an hour by a 100,000 BTU propane furnace. A natural gas furnace would burn about 97 cubic feet simultaneously.
Environmental Factors: Propane vs. Natural Gas Generators
When deciding between propane and natural gas generators, it’s important to consider not just the price of each fuel but also the environmental impact of each.
- When it comes to deciding between propane generators and natural gas generators, there are many factors you must consider.
- Because it doesn’t emit toxic emissions, propane is a preferred fuel for generators. Additionally, propane is safe for the environment because it contains no carbon monoxide or other potentially hazardous contaminants.
- Although it emits fewer dangerous emissions than diesel and gasoline, natural gas isn’t completely safe. By releasing methane into the atmosphere, which traps heat inside the earth’s atmosphere, natural gas has been discovered to contribute to global warming.
- In terms of noise levels, propane generators are much quieter than natural gas-powered ones. However, it would help if you also considered other factors, such as the size of your home and how often you plan on using your generator.
- If you have a small home or live alone, propane would be a good option because it’s quieter and produces less pollution than natural gas. It’s also easier to find refills for propane tanks than it is for natural gas tanks.
Also See: All Benefits of Solar-Powered Generators vs. Gas-Powered
Major Differences Propane vs. Natural Gas
In this article, I will compare the two types of generators, propane and natural gas. First, I will look at some of their main features and how they differ in availability, cost, and ease of use.
Both are excellent fuel sources, but they have some differences that could make one more appealing than the other.
Here are some other factors you should consider when choosing between the two popular fuel sources:
1. Availability:
The biggest difference between propane and natural gas generators is their availability.
Natural gas is more widely available and, therefore, easier to find in remote locations. On the other hand, propane is not as easily accessible as natural gas, which means that it’s often more difficult to find in locations that don’t have access to a gas pipeline.
Propane, however, is less abundant. While some communities have propane suppliers and can deliver it by truck, others may have to order their propane through the mail or delivery service. The cost of propane can also vary from location to location—it’s more expensive in large metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
2. Longevity:
Most of the year will be spent with the generator sitting idle if you plan to use it sparingly. In that situation, you require a fuel source that doesn’t degrade over time or when unused.
When you need to start your generator, all you have to do is turn on your natural gas generator if it receives its fuel from a direct line.
Since liquid propane doesn’t lose its quality over time, you can store a propane generator for a long time without using it. So it’s more of a tie when comparing the two fuel sources based on lifetime.
3. Startup:
You may need to pick your fuel source wisely if your generator spends most of its time idle.
Most generators that run on gasoline or diesel frequently choke up and are challenging to start. Even natural gas generators are difficult to start, particularly during cold weather.
However, regardless of the weather or how long they have been idle, propane gas generators start up quickly and readily in any situation. As a result, it ranks as one of the best fuels for cold weather and standby generators.
4. Operating noise
Regarding operating noise, propane generators are quieter than natural gas generators because propane generators have no combustion engine and are powered by a small four-cycle gasoline engine.
On the other hand, natural gas generators use a large combustion engine that runs at high temperatures and produces a lot of noise.
Propane generators are also more fuel efficient than natural gas generators. However, propane is more expensive than natural gas and has a higher energy density per gallon. This means that you get more power from propane than from natural gas, even though it costs more per gallon.
5. Maintenance:
One of the biggest differences between propane and natural gas generators is the required maintenance.
Propane gas generators can be used in many circumstances, but they require regular maintenance checks to ensure they are properly functioning.
On the other hand, natural gas generators do not require as much maintenance as propane generators, but they still need to be inspected yearly.
Propane generators are more expensive to maintain than natural gas generators. Propane generators require a regular filter, spark plug changes, and oil changes every period.
Propane generators also need to be drained and refilled with oil. Natural gas generators do not require any maintenance beyond draining the tank at the end of each season.
6. Energy:
For your generator, natural gas is an excellent alternative to propane. Natural gas only emits 1,040 BTUs per cubic foot, whereas propane burns at 2,490 BTUs per cubic foot.
This indicates that less propane is consumed over a minute.
Propane burns cleaner and has fewer emissions than other fuels, making it an excellent energy source for your generator.
However, to be extra cautious while using propane near open flames or heat sources like campfires or barbecues, it’s crucial to remember that it might be combustible.
7. Cost:
Propane generators are more expensive than natural gas generators. Propane is more expensive to produce and transport than natural gas, so it costs more per gallon.
It’s also very volatile, requiring special storage and handling equipment.
Given these factors, propane generators are usually more expensive than natural gas generators on a per-kilowatt basis.
However, they can also output higher levels of power at a given time because they have smaller engines that only need to run for short periods.
Natural gas is often cheaper upfront but requires an initial investment in infrastructures such as pipelines or other fuel delivery systems before they can be used regularly by most businesses or homeowners.
8. Application:
Propane vs. Natural gas generators can be used in a variety of ways. Propane generators are typically used in situations where power isn’t available.
For example, they’re often used as backup power for homes, farms, and businesses that rely on electricity to operate their machinery.
Propane generators are also sometimes used as emergency power systems for construction sites or other remote locations.
Natural gas generators are typically used when a continuous source of natural gas is available to run them.
They’re often found at places such as factories and construction sites, where large amounts of power are needed for a sustained period.
Natural gas generators can also be used when there would be no other way to get power if it wasn’t available through the natural gas network (i.e. if there was an outage).
Also See: Difference Between Natural Gas Generator & Diesel Generator
Can I Run A Propane Generator On Natural Gas?
Trying something like this without first visiting your specialist can be highly harmful.
It might occur. There is a sudden loss of power, leaving you unable to go outside to get more propane for your tank.
You’re tempted to hunt for a solution that lets you switch your propane generator to operate on natural gas.
In a technical sense, sure, it is possible to convert it. You may also purchase conversion kits to turn them into a dual-fuel generator and use them. But it’s only partially safe to do this.
Additionally, using various fuel sources might lead to various performance problems.
Natural gas and propane both have twice as much energy. Consequently, your generator will start to spit and operate at significantly lower horsepower when it is powered by gas.
Unfortunately, this could also harm any appliances you use with the generator and I will never recommend it.
Would your generator require more than one fuel source in an emergency? Instead of modifying your current propane generator, purchase a dual-fuel or tri-fuel generator.
Benefits Of Natural Gas Fueled Generator
Natural gas-fueled generators offer several benefits. These include lower emissions, reduced noise, and lower maintenance requirements.
- Natural gas-fueled generators are an excellent option for businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint. They also have less impact on the environment than other fuel sources.
- Additionally, Natural gas fuel is readily available and can be stored in large quantities, so you don’t have to worry about running out during power outages.
- They produce fewer emissions than other engines, which means they’re better for your health and the environment. They also produce less noise than diesel or propane-powered engines.
- Natural gas-powered generators require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts than other engines (e.g., diesel).
- Natural gas is usually less of an initial investment because there is no need to buy or rent a tank. It should be a practically endless supply as long as you have access to natural gas lines in your area.
Benefits Of Propane Fueled Generator
The benefits of propane generators are as follows.
- Propane is a great fuel to use in your generator. It’s not as expensive as diesel or gasoline, and it’s easier to store and transport than either of those options. Propane is also easy to find in most areas—and you can even buy it online!
- Propane generators are also an environmentally friendly alternative to other types of generators. They require little maintenance and have few moving parts, so they last longer and break down less often than other generators.
- Another benefit of propane-fueled generators is that they can run on natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). You don’t have to rely on electricity from the grid if your power goes out—you can connect your generator directly to a propane tank!
- They don’t require any special training before using them either! Propane gas-fueled generators are simple enough for anyone who knows how much fuel is needed per hour (usually printed on each tank’s side).
Which One Is Right For You? What would I Suggest?
Consider your energy needs before buying a propane gas-fueled generator. A gas generator is a great option for those who want to save money and be environmentally friendly at the same time.
Also, consider using a propane gas-fueled generator if you are looking for a portable power source that will provide backup electricity during power outages.
If you want to go green, propane-fueled generators are a great option. Propane generators are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and very reliable.
In addition, they give you the ability to power up your home without relying on the grid or having to rely on gasoline.
Conclusion:
The positive side is that natural gas engines are simpler, robust, and inexpensive to maintain. On the other hand, propane engines have a more favourable power-to-weight ratio and run quieter.
If we compare a Propane Gas Engine’s pure efficiency, its performance is roughly the same as natural gas with a carburetor engine.
But when used in an Auto on-board generator set, the efficiency of a propane engine will be higher than a natural gas engine.
After comparing propane and natural gas generators, this article will help you determine which is right for your needs.
I hope it will be easy to make a choice between a propane and a natural gas generator as I have completely explained all the details in this article.
FAQs
Which one is more expensive?
Propane is 40% more expensive than natural gas.
Is a Propane Generator Better Than Gas?
You may help yourself be prepared for emergencies by using a gas generator. Propane fuel is accessible even when the gas pumps are off since it is kept in individual or bulk cylinders. Contrary to gasoline, which loses quality without stabilisers after a few months, propane has an endless shelf life.
Does propane last longer than gas in a generator?
In comparison to propane, which has 2,490 BTUs per cubic foot, natural gas has about 1,040 BTUs per cubic foot. This suggests that you’ll use more natural gas—more than twice as much—than propane in the same length of time. Propane is a better choice if you’re concerned about running out of fuel because it lasts longer.